Vancouver Style uses a numbered placeholder system. This means that each source of information will be given a number, assigned in the order in which they appear in your assignment. Please note that in Vancouver Style, the numbers can appear in brackets or as superscript but the form used at SAIT is in brackets.
| Example | |
| In-text citation (for a paraphrase) | Here is an example of a paraphrase for the second source cited in an assignment. (2) |
| In-text citation (for a direct quotation) |
Here is an example of a direct quote for the second source cited in an assignment: "These words are taken directly from the source, so the in-text citation also requires a page number". (2 p20) Here is an example of a direct quote that spans across more than one page: "These words are taken directly from the source, but the quotation spans across 2 pages". (2 pp20-21) |
Quotations
When you incorporate a direct quotation into a sentence, you must cite the source. Fit quotations within your sentences, enclosed in quotation marks, making sure the sentences are grammatically correct. Below is an example of two different ways the in-text citation for a quote can appear in your assignment.
Examples:
Gibaldi (1 p109) indicates that, “Quotations are effective in research papers when used selectively.”
Remember that “[q]uotations are effective in research papers when used selectively.” (1 p109)
How to Cite When Altering a Direct Quotation
When you need to leave out part of a quotation to make it fit grammatically or because it contains irrelevant/unnecessary information, insert ellipses (three dots).
Example:
In 2003, Gibaldi wrote that, “Quotations are effective...when used selectively”. (1 p109)
If you must add or slightly change words within a quotation for reasons of grammar or clarity, indicate the change with square brackets.
Example:
In 2003, Gibaldi wrote that, “Quotations are effective in [academic writing] when used selectively”. (1 p109)
Even if you put information in your own words by summarizing or paraphrasing, you must include a citation number. However, you do not need a page number.
Example:
Within the research paper, quotations will have more impact when used judiciously. (1)
Longer Paraphrased Sections
If you are writing a paragraph that is citing the same source multiple times, you do need to clearly identify all information in that paragraph that is from that source. It would be awkward to put a citation at the end of each sentence but an end of paragraph citation is not sufficient.
In other words, include a full in-text citation the first time you mention the source in your paragraph. As you are writing the rest of the paragraph, refer back to that source as needed so that your reader knows you are continuing to use that same source. If you are using a direct quotation, always include the year of publication and the page number.
Example (adapted from: http://rasmussen.libanswers.com/faq/32328):
Frogs are excellent indicator species to measure wetland health. Willemssen (1) recently conducted research in Wisconsin that shows that frogs are very sensitive to changes in pH caused by acid rain, and they are also very sensitive to different types of pollution. Willemssen's research indicates that when frog populations in a wetland plummet, one can be sure that something is going wrong in the wetland. One very telling quote from Willemssen's research is that "87% of wetlands where two-headed frogs are found have high levels of environmental contamination." (1 p341)
Figures and images adapted from other sources require a reference list citation according to the type of source being cited. You are still required to include a reference list citation using the example listed at the top of the Images tab of the Vancouver guide.
Begin the caption with the word "Figure" and a number, provide your own caption for the image, include an "adapted from" statement (if adapted) and the reference list number, then insert the image below.
Example of In-Text Copyright Attribution:
Figure 1 Proper Desk Setup. Adapted from Smith. (3)
Reference List
3. Smith L. Making the office safe. New York. Pearson Publishers; 2016. Figure 7.4, Standing Desk; p. 72.
Sometimes an author writes about research that someone else has done, but you are unable to track down the original source. In this case, because you did not read the original source, you will include only the source you did read in your reference list. The words “as cited in” in the parenthetical reference indicate you have not read the original source.
Example:
You read Bertram's report that has an interesting result from Fong's 1987 study. You cannot locate Fong's study.
How it should appear in your assignment:
Fong’s 1987 study, as cited in Bertram (12), found that older students’ memory can be as good as that of young people, but this depends on how memory is tested.
How it should appear in your reference list:
Only include what you physically see. Do not include Fong in your reference list but do include Bertram.